David Reviews WWE Crown Jewel

Crown Jewel kicked off with its host, the Immortal Hulk Hogan, who received an enormous pop from the crowd. Hogan pumped up the crowd and even gave me goosebumps. Even with all the allegations, it is great to have Hogan back home where he belongs in the WWE.

Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton-World Cup Quarterfinal

This rivalry renewed was rather short and anticlimactic. Mysterio won with a roll up pinfall, but it was Orton who had the last laugh as he hit Mysterio with an RKO and proceeded to beat him around the ring.

Match Result: Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton by pinfall.

Match Rating: 2 Stars

Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz – World Cup Quarterfinal

This was slightly better than the first quarterfinal match, and even ended with a clean victory for the Miz. Hardy had some vintage highlights, including a tight rope walk from the barricade onto Miz. It wasn’t awesome, but it was ok.

Match Result: The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy by pinfall.

Match Rating: 2.5 Stars

Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley – World Cup Quarterfinal

Lashley controlled most of this match, but it was Rollins who took advantage of a small opening and hit the Curb Stomp for the win. I would have liked to see Lashley advance, especially that he had Lio Rush at ringside, but Rollins deserved to advance just as much.

Match Result: Seth Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3 Stars

Kurt Angle vs. Dolph Ziggler – World Cup Quarterfinal

This was a good showing for Angle in a single’s match. Looks like he still has something in the tank. The ending was the exact same as the previous quarterfinal match, as Angle crashed into the ring post leaving him open for a Zig-Zag. It could have been more creative than that.

Match Result: Dolph Ziggler defeated Kurt Angle by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3 Stars

The Bar (c) vs. The New Day for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship

These two teams had another fantastic match. They are the best tag teams on Smackdown, and might just be the best in WWE. Big Show’s punch sealed the deal for Big E. and the New Day in this one. But a bigger question that came up during the match was why weren’t the New Day entered in the World Cup tournament? I much would have preferred them over Orton.

Match Result: The Bar defeated The New Day by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3.5 Stars

The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio – World Cup Semifinal

Back to back clean victories for the Miz! Mysterio and Miz put on a good, entertaining match up. Mysterio with the battered ribs still put his body on the line, performing a slide through the bottom rope onto the Miz that looked painful. The A-lister is now onto the Finals, and it is AWESOME.

Match Result: The Miz defeated Rey Mysterio by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3 Stars

Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler – World Cup Semifinal

This match started off extremely slow. But as slow as it started was as fast as it picked up, and both Rollins and Ziggler showed why they could still the show at any time. Drew McIntyre did play a role in Ziggler’s victory, but it doesn’t take away that he should be in the finals to be considered the best in the world.

Match Result: Dolph Ziggler defeated Seth Rollins by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3 Stars

AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship

OHHH AJ! This wasn’t the best match from their series, but it delivered nonetheless. The biggest shame of this series is that as good as Joe is the only victory he had was by disqualification. This might be the last time we see Joe get a championship opportunity for some time. As for AJ, the streak continues!

Match Result: AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3 Stars

Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship

Baron Corbin attacked Strowman with the Universal Championship before the match had begun and that sealed Strowman’s fate. Lesnar delivered five F-5’s, one of which launched Strowman to the outside. This rating is based on shock value alone. Wow.

Match Result: Brock Lesnar defeated Braun Strowman by pinfall.

Match Rating: 3 Stars

Shane McMahon vs. Dolph Ziggler -World Cup Final

The Miz injured his leg prior to the match starting so Shane inserted himself into the match. I really hope Miz hurt himself because this is borderline ridiculous. The fact that Shane is the “best in the world” is insulting to us as wrestling fans. I don’t know how anyone can be OK with this result.

Match Result: Shane McMahon defeated Dolph Ziggler by pinfall.

Match Rating: 0 Stars

D-Generation X vs. The Brothers of Destruction

This match had nostalgia written all over it and it delivered. It was mainly a beat down of DX, but with sprinkles of DX all over. Including a vintage HBK Moonsault onto Kane and Undertaker. This match did what it had to and that was bring us back to a time where wrestling was exciting and care free, even if it was with a bunch of guys in their 40’s. Bravo gentlemen.

Match Result: D-Generation X defeated The Brothers of Destruction

Match Rating: 3 Stars

Crown Jewel wasn’t the show of shows, it had great moments, and some moments that make you question your fan-hood of wrestling. But it also showed you why you can’t stop watching. Because you always want to know where they are going to go next.